Today in Milwaukee at Christ The King Baptist Church, Quality of Life Center Learning Took Place
Three Churches (Lamb of God Missionary Baptist Church, Community Baptist Church of Greater Milwaukee, and Christ The King Baptist Church) from Milwaukee, WI, gathered once again for their Leadership Forum, this time to delve into the profound insights of Tod Bolsinger’s Book Canoeing The Mountains: Christian Leadership in Unchartered Territory. Rev. Christopher Boston, Senior Pastor from Lamb of God Missionary Baptist Church, led the last session.
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10: 13-14.
Rev. Dr. Demetrius K. Williams, Pastor of Community Baptist Church of Greater Milwaukee, taught today’s session.
Deacon Willie Jude from Community, wearing the attire of Community’s church, along with his Pastor, said the opening prayer for all the leaders.
All events were organized and hosted by Christ The King Baptist Church, Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr.
Rev. Ripton Stewart’s absence was excused. Please keep him in your prayers; he is not feeling well. Executive Pastor Treyvon Sinclair, Chaplain Doyle Sprewer, Rev. Judy Amos, Rev. Nakeesha Brown, Minister Daphne Johnson, and Minister Charlotte Flowers were all in attendance.
Today, Rev. Dr. Williams guided leaders through Chapters 4, Competence and Credibility, and Chapter 5, Preparing for the Unknown, drawing on the wisdom of Bolsinger’s book. His key points were the following:
“What do we do when the landscape around us has changed so radically?”
“At the moment of crisis, you will not rise to the occasion but default to your training.” (Example of Miracle on the Hudson)
“The Apostle Paul had to learn a new way of leading and preaching through uncharted waters!”
Rev. Dr. William’s reflection on the church was a stark one. He described a slow erosive death, where the great commission became an omission, and the church rarely prayed. He referred back to Chapter 13, where Barnabas Paul/Prayed. The need for change was emphasized, with churches needing to witness and worship the church—Witness, Worship, and Work. Rev. Dr. Williams stressed that praise leads equally to praxis. They are turning the world upside down in Chapter 5, Chapter 6 with Jesus. The discussion also touched on the church’s obsession with facilities, highlighting the need for a shift in focus.
Church went under Medical Treatment.
Move out of your comfort zone. Pray that leadership, members, and disciples reach out into the community. Take an honest look and audit members: What is their involvement and commitment?
2nd Corinthians 13:14.
Leaders must develop an action plan to evangelize the immediate community. The church must not shy away from admitting, recognizing, and acknowledging its dire need, a crucial step towards collective growth and impact.
This 3.0-hour Conference was a truly transformative experience, engaging and thought-provoking. It lasted three hours, but the time flew by as members were immersed in the discussion. The members were reluctant to leave after enjoying a delicious Carolinas and Georgia breakfast and engaging in laboring, laughter, and learning. The key insights from Dr. Williams were deeply ingrained: The Church’s influence on the World is waning, and churches must adapt to thrive in uncharted territory. This experience has not only left leaders inspired but also motivated them to take immediate action. Rev. Dr. Williams also elaborated on the following:
“No One is Going to Follow You Off the Map Unless They Trust You on It.”
Scriptural Reflection: 2 Kings 7: 3-4
Informative Books Suggested by Rev. Dr. Williams,
Thom S. Rainer, Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive (2014)
The Key Idea in Chapter 4 of Canoeing the Mountains is that the first thing a transformational leader needs is competence regarding the organization’s existing activities.
In Chapter 5, Preparing for the Unknown
The key idea is that the leader must build a shared corporate culture of deep trust and establish credibility.
“It is possible to prepare for the future without knowing what it will be. The primary way to prepare for the Unknown is to attend to the quality of our relationships, to how well we know and trust one another.”
Opening chapter quote: Margaret Wheatley, “When Change is Out of Control.”
“How do we prepare for the future without knowing what it will be?”
Bolsinger 61.
Lewis and Clark = Paul and Barnabas: The Case of Paul and Barnabas, Acts 15:36.
The transition to the story from Rev. Dr. Williams was phenomenal. First, it was the Supremes, then Diana Ross; she was alone. It was the Commodores, and then it was Lionel Richie. His summation of Paul and Barnabas is explained in the video below.
The planner and hosting church, Christ The King Baptist Church, in conjunction with leaders from Lamb of God Missionary Baptist Church and Community Baptist Church, eagerly anticipates the subsequent book discussion of Chapter 6 by Rev. Dr. Williams, Eating Strategy for Breakfast. The Key Idea is that the most critical attribute a congregation must have to thrive in uncharted territory is a healthy organizational culture. This is not just a concept but a call to action that can inspire and motivate all, empowering Leaders to take responsibility for their church’s future.
Tonight in Milwaukee at Fiserv Forum
The headliner for tonight’s concert at Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, known professionally as Nicki Minaj. She is a Trinidadian-born rapper and singer based in the United States who started her February “Pink Friday 2 World Tour,” quoting, “It’s time for the Barbz to unite.” Tonight’s guest R&B artist is the legendary American Singer and Rapper Monica Denise Arnold, aka Monica.
After Fiserv Forum, where will the Queen of Rap be next? Please click on the link for more detailed information.
Reporter Jude 